Brian Parsley is a Business Intelligence Strategist, based in the United States. He guides leaders to optimise sales effectiveness and delight customers.

Founded and sold two successful start-up companies. One an online recruitment company sold to Billion Dollar marketing giant Red Ventures. The second was WeSkill, an e-learning solutions organisation. WeSkill was acquired in 2013 by Sales Performance International, a global sales performance improvement firm.

He has received numerous awards for professional excellence and is listed in America’s Business Journal’s Top 40 executives under 40 (even though he’s 44 now). Brian has been a recurring guest on FOX News, a management consultant for several Fortune 500 companies. He also is a regular contributor to magazines like South African Airways.

Brian, how did you come to offer your services in South Africa?

In 2009 I was invited to speak at a conference in JNB and CPT. I immediately fell in love with the country and realised the amazing opportunities here.

What do you offer to do for the companies that engage you?

I primarily do seminars/workshops for a variety of companies throughout South Africa. Another exciting area is working with a select few organisations to assist in how they engage customers and build revenues. Changing how we engage customers is the first step to building revenues.

How do South African companies and work ethics compare to those in the U.S.A?

I believe there’s a juxtaposition in “how” customer experience is delivered here compared to the America. However, there’s a willingness to grow and serve the customer. If you don’t know better, you can’t do better. The organisations I’ve worked with here applicate when I can create the “hustle” mentality within the company.

In the context of a global market, what are a few of the main factors that South African firms should adopt, to be more competitive?

The economy is driven by individuals and companies’ willingness to spend their money. The biggest question to ask is, “How willing are you to recommend a friend to our company?” The most successful businesses will adopt the concept of employee first and then the customer. We need to treat our employees better than the customer. Customer service isn’t a tact, it’s a mindset. The great news is you can make an incredible change with only a few little shifts in your strategy.

A few personal questions to get an insight into who Mr Brian Parsely is:
Favourite book: Verbal Judo
Favourite movie: Jason Bourne (all of them)
Favorite hotel / lodge: Athol Place Hotel/ Morukuru/ Singita
Favourite coffee shop: Tasha’s
Can you tell us something about yourself that may surprise readers: My dream job is to be a server at a busy restaurant

Finally, how do South African as well as other African based companies go about booking your services?

I spend so much time in South Africa so I feel it’s my second home. My website has my mobile number and email address to make it easy. www.brianparsley.com